KOGI STATE, Nigeria — A tragic boat accident along the River Niger in Kogi State has left at least 200 people feared dead, primarily traders heading to a market in Niger State. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, underscores the ongoing challenges of waterway safety in Nigeria.
Suleman Makama, Head of the Media Department at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), confirmed the accident on Friday, though he noted that details were still emerging. “We don’t have comprehensive information yet,” Makama said in a brief statement.
According to local sources, the boat, owned by one Musa Dangana, was en route to the weekly Katcha market in Niger State, carrying more than 200 passengers, including market women and farm laborers. The vessel capsized near the Dambo-Ebuchi stretch of the river.
“It’s true there was a boat accident involving many women heading to the market,” an eyewitness told The Bureau Newspaper. “We don’t yet know the total number of people affected or the exact cause of the incident.”
As of Friday evening, search and rescue efforts were ongoing, with eight bodies recovered. Authorities and local divers are continuing their efforts to locate survivors and recover remains.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebanji, shed light on the recurring dangers of Nigeria’s inland waterways during an oversight visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on NIWA in Lokoja earlier this week. Oyebanji attributed 99% of waterway accidents to human errors, including negligence and substance abuse.
“Operators often make avoidable mistakes,” he said. “Some are under the influence of drugs, which impairs their judgment and leads to catastrophic decisions.”
The latest tragedy has reignited concerns about the safety of water transportation in Nigeria, particularly for vulnerable groups such as market women and laborers who rely on these routes for their livelihoods. Authorities have yet to determine the full scale of the disaster, but the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations on Nigeria’s waterways.